Ahead of Barry Town United and Cardiff Metropolitan’s upcoming European ties, we take a look at how an increased following from South Wales-based supporters could help them to reach the next level.
While both have performed above expectations to reach the preliminary round of the UEFA Europa League, they are far from the finished article, with one area of untapped potential being the level of support they receive.
While it’s widely-recognised that the Linnets in particular have a strong core support, which follow them nomadically around the country, a quick glance at the unpopulated seats at their Jenner Park home begs the question ‘are there more potential supporters out there?’
Barry secured an impressive third-placed finish in the Welsh Premier League last season. (Image: Rhys Skinner)
The Students, of course, are in a different kind of position, and naturally find it more difficult to attract support because of their University status.
The claim that both clubs have a degree of untapped potential is based largely from the fact that they are either Cardiff-based, or are situated reasonably close to Cardiff.
With Barry preparing to host the home leg of their tie against Cliftonville on Thursday, before Met play FC Progrès Niederkorn at Leckwith Stadium a week later, now is a perfect opportunity for fans in the area to see what all the fuss is about.
With tickets priced at just £10, South Wales-based supporters have been presented with a great opportunity to watch European football at an affordable and reasonable price.
Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate winning the Nathaniel MG Cup. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
An increasing trend with modern day football is supporters falling out of love with the game, with the increasing commercialisation, rising costs and a lack of representation just a few reasons for lifelong fans turning away from the professional game.
While this is of course a negative for the professional sides, it does present an opportunity for the apathetic fans to focus their support towards the domestic game.
It is important to note that many fans do their best to juggle volunteering with their local side, while trying their best to follow their nearest pro team.
For those who feel as if their support would be more valued at a hard-working, honest local side, Barry and Cardiff Metropolitan are two excellent examples of clubs who would greatly appreciate the backing.
Barry host Cliftonville on Thursday evening. (Image: Rhys Skinner)
A somewhat surprising statistic is that there only four Cardiff-based sides competing in the Welsh Football League: another potential opening for those without Saturday league teams.
One of the key areas where the effect of increased attendances would be felt is of course the club coffers.
More people through the gates almost certainly means more money for clubs to utilise when it comes to making improvements, whether it is on training facilities, better coaches, players or general groundwork.
In the case of Barry, whose halcyon days have been well-documented, an increased level of support could conceivably help them to become the powerhouse that they once were.
It isn’t just those who have fallen out of love with the professional game, or those with a gap to fill on a Saturday afternoon which should be targeted – the next generation is a demographic that is vital to their future.
Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate after qualifying for the Europa League. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Youngsters growing up in the town are beginning to get a glimpse of the kind of days which they had only previously heard of through their parents, days which hardened supporters thought they may not see again.
Success, of course, is a key factor when it comes to people deciding whether or not to take up supporting a team.
You could argue that Barry and Met have done their bit, and it is now up to South Walians to take pride in two teams who are working hard to represent South Wales in a positive light, at home and abroad.
By getting along to one of the European home legs, potential supporters could be persuaded to continue following either side, having seen the undoubted benefits of doing so.
If supporters are able to start believing that the success of these teams is their success too, they will have bridged a big gap which has so far prevented them from getting behind clubs of this ilk.
(Featured image: Rhys Skinner and Matthew Lofthouse)
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